Blues youngster Monty Patterson has returned to his native New Zealand to join the Wellington Phoenix on loan until May.
The 21-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has made only one senior appearance for the Blues, as an 81st minute sub in the Carabao Cup match at Crystal Palace in August.
Patterson appears all but certain to depart the club on a permanent basis in the summer.
The Auckland-born frontman or midfielder, who has won 15 full caps with the All Whites, scoring one international goal, spent time on loan with Braintree last season.
TRANSFER NEWS | Delighted to secure the signature of young All White Monty Patterson on an initial loan - full story to come! #COYN #ERereTeKeo pic.twitter.com/mCvoiGS4kt
— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) January 31, 2018
The Phoenix are currently bottom of the 10-team Hyundai A-League. They are the only New Zealand-based team in the league with the rest of the clubs from Australia.
Patterson is unlikely to be the only youngster from the development squad to go out on loan today with the Blues looking to send a number of players out for spells to gain experience ahead of the 11pm deadline.